Also Serving As

• PsyD Core Faculty & Dissertation Chair 

Background

Rachel Partsch graduated from Northwest University (NU) with her BA in Psychology ( 2011) and her MA in Counseling Psychology (2014). Her master’s thesis was titled: Pentecostal Christians’ beliefs and values about the human body and health practices: A qualitative study. During this time, Rachel also worked at NU in a variety of administrative staff roles and contributed substantial work to the PsyD program’s initial APA self-study (accredited was granted in 2018). 

Rachel completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Regent University in 2021. Her dissertation was titled: The role of self-concept in influencing student persistence and resilience: A qualitative, phenomenological exploration. Rachel was appointed to the role of Assistant Professor at NU in 2021 and served as a faculty member in the MS in Data Analysis and Research Psychology program from June 2021 until July 2024.  Upon the program’s closure, Rachel transitioned into the PsyD program where she currently teaches the program’s research design and data analysis courses. 

Rachel’s personal hobbies include hiking, gardening, and oil painting.

Courses

• Research Methods I: Statistics
• Research Methods II: Design and Ethics
• Research Methods III: Data Analysis
• Lifespan Development 

Professional Associations 

• American Psychological Association
• APA Division 5: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
• APA Division 7: Developmental Psychology 
• APA Division 15: Educational Psychology

Current Projects

• Development of a Christian Faith Formation scale (specifically providing the statistical data analysis for the project).

Publications/Presentations 

Partsch, R. S. (2021). The Role of Self-Concept in Influencing Student Persistence and Resilience: A Qualitative, Phenomenological Exploration (Order No. 28962134) [Doctoral dissertation, Regent University]. Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Partsch, R. S. (2019, October). Let’s talk about APA Formatting: 7th edition. Guest Lecturer Northwest University’s Clinical Mental Health Residency. Kirkland, Washington. 

Cook, J., Anderton, C., & Smulski, R. (2019, October). Setting a strong clinical tone for your program: Training that internalizes the counseling process and promotes strong relational ethics. Association of Counselor Education and Supervision. Seattle, Washington.

Gustafson, J. N., Daniels, J. R., & Smulski, R. J. (2014). Case study: One institution’s application of a multiple-methods assessment framework. Research & Practice in Assessment, 9, 58-73.